Jun 10, 2021Growers sought for research to address aflatoxins
What is AF36 Prevail? AF36 Prevail is a naturally occurring strain of aspergillus mold that does not produce aflatoxin, making it “atoxigenic.”
Research funded by the Almond Board of California (ABC) confirms AF36’s efficacy in reducing the population of toxigenic aspergillus strains – which can lead to aflatoxin – in almonds. What research is ongoing? Themis Michailides and his research team from the University of California, Davis, and Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center have conducted nearly a decade of research on AF36.
Their work is currently is focused on promoting industry adoption of AF36 Prevail and demonstrating its application efficacy across the industry. This summer, the research team is conducting a large scale application project with commercial orchards up to 5,000 acres across five geographical regions.
ABC is looking for growers who would be willing to participate and collaborate in the project. Grower qualifications and involvement:
• Identify one orchard of 100-500 acres for application of AF36 Prevail.
– Grower is responsible for applying AF36 Prevail to treated orchard.
– Grower must apply AF36 Prevail between late June to middle of July.
– Orchard needs to be five years or older.
• Identify one adjacent orchard with a minimum of 40 acres as a control.
• Allow researchers on orchard premise for soil and field run sample collections.
• Notify research team of orchard’s harvest date for sample collection.
• Coordinate with huller/sheller for keeping treated and control product separate for further sample collection of rejected inedible kernels.
Grower incentives:
1. The Almond Board of California will reimburse growers for all product samples.
2. Growers will be provided with AF36 Prevail product for application.
The deadline to apply is June 18. Questions? Contact ABC’s Miranda Thomas at mthomas@almondboard.com or (209) 485-3615.
Click here to apply.
Photo: Almond Board of California
